GPS spoofing
Why in news?
Recent incidents of GPS spoofing near India's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) led to significant flight delays and diversions as aircraft instruments showed inaccurate locations, such as appearing far from their actual positions.
About GPS spoofing
- GPS spoofing is a cyberattack that manipulates GPS signals by broadcasting fake or counterfeit signals to GPS receivers, causing them to compute inaccurate position, navigation, or time data.
- It is different from jamming, which blocks or disrupts signals; spoofing feeds false data, making detection and response more difficult.
- Spoofing can be performed using ground-based transmitters, software-defined radios, or even small portable devices carried near targets.
- The threat has increased with the availability of inexpensive spoofing hardware and software, and state-sponsored activities.
Mitigation measures involve robust backup navigation systems (e.g., Inertial Reference Systems), multi-constellation GNSS use, advanced signal processing, anti-spoofing technologies, and pilot/training awareness.
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